Does Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s pardon really change everything?

President Donald Trump defended his decision to pardon Joe Arpaio, calling the former Arizona sheriff a "patriot" who loves his country. (Aug. 28)
AP

Presidential candidate Donald Trump is joined by Joe Arpaio, the sheriff of metro Phoenix, at a campaign event Jan. 26, 2016, in Marshalltown, Iowa. Trump pardoned former sheriff Joe Arpaio following his conviction for intentionally disobeying a judge's order in an immigration case. The White House announced the move Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, saying the 85-year-old ex-sheriff of Arizona's Maricopa County was a "worthy candidate" for a presidential pardon.(Photo: AP PHOTO/MARY ALTAFFER)

An Aug. 29 letter to the editor stated the pardon of former Sheriff Joe Arpaio tells the country that the Constitution only applies to President Trump’s supporters. How can a single pardon communicate such a broad mandate?

Over a period of 24 years Joe Arpaio has been reelected many times as the sheriff of Maricopa County. Recently Arpaio was convicted by a judge — no jury — of a misdemeanor contempt of court charge brought by Obama Department of Justice attorneys. The charge was about how the sheriff carried out the enforcement of immigration laws.

Much of the controversy revolves around the term “profiling” as something evil. If law enforcement knows more drug crimes or stolen cars occur in a certain part of town, it’s logical that they focus more attention where the crimes occur. It is difficult to enforce U.S. immigration law along the Mexican border, where illegal immigration is rampant and illegal immigrants often give false names, without establishing the identity of people who lack adequate identification.

Most terrorism incidents are perpetrated by young male Muslims. Can you think of any terrorist attacks led by the Presbyterians, Methodists or Buddhists? A little common sense can go a long way.